Emergency rooms all over the country have signs displayed in both English & Spanish, stating NO one can be turned away. A big reason, emergency rooms are flooded with Medicaid patients. Doctor offices may turn them away, emergency rooms must see them. And most always take a loss or "hit" for many they treat. As we all know, emergency care is very costly.

<quoted text> The more important question to be asked concerning those illegals. How much Medicaid and taxpayer's money does it take to deliver care to ALL those illegals? Small hospitals can't afford them. Emergeny rooms can't afford them. They are draining an already strained system.

There are now areas in the southwest with no emergency room services because the flood of illegals who did not pay forced the ERs to close. They could not stay in business, other areas of the country are also seeing ERs close because, as already stated, they cannot turn people away. Medicaid patients are straining ERs with complaints that are not emergencies and it appears to be for multiple reasons. Some think it is because most doctors take a set percentage of Medicare/Medicaid patients and once that threshold is met they don't take anymore new MM patients on, they can't afford to since the govt keeps cutting reimbursements. Typically, doctors lose money on every MM patient they see. Others think the fact that MM patients aren't paying for the care themselves, they go to the ER for everything, thus further straining the system.

<quoted text>Thank you for such an outstanding post. The portion I quoted above to me is, regrettably, the crux of the matter. It is hard not to come to the conclusion that that is the goal of the Liberals. Create a permanent underclass that considers itself incapable of surviving without a paternalistic government to take care of them. This ensures that those same people will always vote for whomever promises the most handouts, rather than "hand ups." They will never rise above that and so will guarantee the perpetual power of those promising the handouts. What both groups (the Liberals and their dependents) will not recognize is that it is impossible to sustain an economic system that keeps taking more and more away from those who produce and contribute to this country in order to support those who WILL not (not CAN not) support themselves. And yet the people (top 5% income earners) who already pay more in taxes than the bottom 95% combined are called whiners and greedy for not wanting to pay even more taxes to support wasteful, duplicative programs. If we do not get a handle on the out of control spending in all areas, there will not be money for those who truly need help. And yet those on the Left think that those who make this country work will just sit back while more and more gets taken from them. Is anybody paying attention to what happened in Cyprus today, there are lessons to be learned there - or warnings to be heeded.

You are on the right track but on the wrong train. The hidden leaders of the Republican Party, the very rich upper class who now have complete control to finance all elections thanks to the people they had appointed to the Supreme Court. They now have complete control of our leaders, it only takes money to be elected and they have it all. They don't care what political party the are with, its the outcome they seek. These same people have been building a cheap labor force in this country for years. In the last 20 or so years the buying power of the middle class has declined dramatically, while the very rich has grown expediential.

They are building a kingdom for the rich in this country and you are a laborer. They were behind making the military a volunteer army to protect their children and to make your children do all the dirty work. You are helping them make the middle class nothing more than the working poor. You bow down and make offerings to them, you make me sick.

<quoted text>There are now areas in the southwest with no emergency room services because the flood of illegals who did not pay forced the ERs to close. They could not stay in business, other areas of the country are also seeing ERs close because, as already stated, they cannot turn people away. Medicaid patients are straining ERs with complaints that are not emergencies and it appears to be for multiple reasons. Some think it is because most doctors take a set percentage of Medicare/Medicaid patients and once that threshold is met they don't take anymore new MM patients on, they can't afford to since the govt keeps cutting reimbursements. Typically, doctors lose money on every MM patient they see. Others think the fact that MM patients aren't paying for the care themselves, they go to the ER for everything, thus further straining the system.

Aggie is right on track & knows very well what unfolds before us. Good post!

Do Republican elites alone comprise the"they" that you describe? It seems that the identical charges that you levy against this group could also be made against the elite of the Democrat party. While this take suggests that working class Republicans are being and have been duped by their leaders into becoming economic pawns and cannon fodder, it does not address the modern serfdom that the Democrats have created by building an underclass whose sustenance depends upon entitlements and handouts. Structurally speaking, how are the two different?I think much of this problem stems from power-hungry people staying in influential positions for too many years. When this happens, as it regularly does, political leadership becomes more about wealth building and the installment of personal agenda as public policy than public service. I understand that these things are somewhat endemic to politics; however, I would like to think that some politicians can resist this temptation while serving and then return to private life. Unfortunately, many in office cannot fathom this act and, consequently, make a career of it. Once this happens, and continues happening, a major problem arises: the politician becomes more concerned with holding onto power than serving his/her constituents. As a result, his/her loyalties shift. Now, the power-brokers who you speak of become most important because they can help the politician maintain his/her little slice of the pie, of course, if the politician shows that he/she is loyal to the larger agenda.Now, if we extend this to the situation of the citizen, we see a second problem. We do not have unmediated access to the "political reality" in which we live and that, to some extent, shapes our lives. Rather, all that we know about the workings of our government comes from the media. Of course, every media outlet has its own agenda, and given their dependence upon consumers to achieve needed ratings and sell units, they cater to specific audiences. Thus, the same story will be presented in different ways according to the outlet's agenda and its audience's expectations. Because of this, each story is based in fact, but the interpretation of the facts leads to the creation of a news story, or mediated fact. As skeptical thinkers in the post-modern world, we know that the media does not supply us with unblemished fact. Therefore, we don't believe much of anything that it tells us. Is not this a major issue?If we can't trust our politicians to be loyal to us and we can't accept what the media tells us as truth, then where do we stand? How can we function in our political reality? You say that we should be wary of the scheming Republican elite. I say that we should be wary of the highly fallible political system that governs our lives and the media that tells us about the workings of this system. I'm not sure that the elites in any party care much for common people, but I'm pretty sure that they care a lot about power.And what's withe the "you make me sick" comment? Anyone on any side of an issue who is willing to express his/her beliefs on a public forum in a civil manner deserves respect. In a political world filled with selfish, agenda-driven leaders, maybe the only source of hope left is people willing to listen to and respond to others while standing on their convictions. Dialogue is what will make a government and citizenry work well.

In response to Make Me Sick,Do Republican elites alone comprise the"they" that you describe? It seems that the identical charges that you levy against this group could also be made against the elite of the Democrat party. While this take suggests that working class Republicans are being and have been duped by their leaders into becoming economic pawns and cannon fodder, it does not address the modern serfdom that the Democrats have created by building an underclass whose sustenance depends upon entitlements and handouts. Structurally speaking, how are the two different?I think much of this problem stems from power-hungry people staying in influential positions for too many years. When this happens, as it regularly does, political leadership becomes more about wealth building and the installment of personal agenda as public policy than public service. I understand that these things are somewhat endemic to politics; however, I would like to think that some politicians can resist this temptation while serving and then return to private life. Unfortunately, many in office cannot fathom this act and, consequently, make a career of it. Once this happens, and continues happening, a major problem arises: the politician becomes more concerned with holding onto power than serving his/her constituents. As a result, his/her loyalties shift. Now, the power-brokers who you speak of become most important because they can help the politician maintain his/her little slice of the pie, of course, if the politician shows that he/she is loyal to the larger agenda.Now, if we extend this to the situation of the citizen, we see a second problem. We do not have unmediated access to the "political reality" in which we live and that, to some extent, shapes our lives. Rather, all that we know about the workings of our government comes from the media. Of course, every media outlet has its own agenda, and given their dependence upon consumers to achieve needed ratings and sell units, they cater to specific audiences. Thus, the same story will be presented in different ways according to the outlet's agenda and its audience's expectations. Because of this, each story is based in fact, but the interpretation of the facts leads to the creation of a news story, or mediated fact. As skeptical thinkers in the post-modern world, we know that the media does not supply us with unblemished fact. Therefore, we don't believe much of anything that it tells us. Is not this a major issue?If we can't trust our politicians to be loyal to us and we can't accept what the media tells us as truth, then where do we stand? How can we function in our political reality? You say that we should be wary of the scheming Republican elite. I say that we should be wary of the highly fallible political system that governs our lives and the media that tells us about the workings of this system. I'm not sure that the elites in any party care much for common people, but I'm pretty sure that they care a lot about power.And what's withe the "you make me sick" comment? Anyone on any side of an issue who is willing to express his/her beliefs on a public forum in a civil manner deserves respect. In a political world filled with selfish, agenda-driven leaders, maybe the only source of hope left is people willing to listen to and respond to others while standing on their convictions. Dialogue is what will make a government and citizenry work well.

<quoted text>it was just a crude attempt at humor,i thought nearly everyone thought their babies were perfect- even the ones born with birth defects.

I was afraid that perhaps I had offended you by unintentionally implying that special needs babies were not considered perfect by their parents. If any on here took that as my meaning, I apologize - that certainly was not my intent nor my belief.

When the only outlets for information were newspapers and network television, there truly was a monopoly on information outlets and the public was pretty much at the mercy of the ideology of those who ran the newspapers and networks. These were and are dominated by those with leftward leanings. With the rise of talk radio - which I happily agree does lean right, a different view point was readily available for the first time. But most importantly of all, the internet has made information available for any who want it and are willing to do a little work. You still have to deal with the possible slant that may exist on what you find on the net, but there is also information available that is strictly factual with no inherent bias. You can find out exactly what tax revenue the govt receives and who pays it. You can find out the percentages of people in a state that supported a candidate. You can read opinions straight from the source rather than going through someone else's filter. It may still not be fool proof, but never has an individual been able to school themselves on a subject with such ease.

As to your points about career politicians on both sides of the aisle - couldn't agree more. Which is why I would love to see term limits. Let's get back to what the Founders envisioned - citizen legislators who SERVED for a period of time and then went back to the real world.

A doctor, mid-thirties, with a young family decided to increase his Life insurance benefits after the addition of 3rd child to family. I would have most definitely considered him to be healthy. Non-smoker, barely overweight, hard worker, no history of illness, dependable staff member, never ill. He was aware of required physical, never once nervous about it. He applied, had his required physical exam and was flatly denied. His insurers then gave him a list of reasons...1) cholesterol was high, I mean, just barely over normal range2) required he lose 40 lbs to reach optimum weight level for his age group3) had to have hepatits titre levels drawn and of course, HIV, TB screening and other screenings which took a while

A couple of months later, his insurer informed him he had "failed" his physical exam and it would be 1 year before he would be reconsidered. He was flatly denied. In other words, get healthy and we'll see you next year. During this year, he dieted, he exercised, ate healthy veggies, bland, no sugar diet, drank water, and it was slow go...we all know those last few pounds are the hardest to lose. He was 6'2, no one would have ever said he looked overweight. He was determined. He meant to show them. He stuck with it. But actually paid out of pocket for labs during the year to see if he was nearer their required goal. One year later, he passed, he got his life insurance increase, but his premiums were still very high.

He joked, he said, I'm not joining the FBI, CIA, Navy SEALS...I want to pay "them", I'm "buying" more insurance..and they treat me as though I'm about to be onboard the next space shuttle launch. Funny & sad.

Term limits is the answer... how do we get there? We know what needs to be done. How do we ever influence politicians into making it LAW? I guess what I'm asking, will it ever happen?

It will take some doing to impose term limits with legislation. Expecting a group of politicians who have no intentions of surrendering their power to pass such a law would be like asking a group of kids to trade their candy for brussel sprouts at snack time. Who cares if the unhealthy option will cause harm in the long term when you can't see past the present?

<quoted text>It will take some doing to impose term limits with legislation. Expecting a group of politicians who have no intentions of surrendering their power to pass such a law would be like asking a group of kids to trade their candy for brussel sprouts at snack time. Who cares if the unhealthy option will cause harm in the long term when you can't see past the present?

Good point.

I think another thought provoking question/point is:

How do we get "qualified" people to run for political office? The way Herman Cain was abused last summer (no idea if the accusations were true or not, nor do I care) would make anyone reluctant, I think, to run for office.

IMHO, it takes a certain flamboyance (maybe not the best word) and a certain almost arrogance to run for office, to try to make people think you're the best suited person for the position to decide laws and impact the live of most everyone else. It's not like you're interviewing for a position where you try to show you're the best candidate...

My point is, we don't always get the "best and the brightest" running for political office. Example: the goof that think Guam will tip over if too many people are sent there. There are MANY others, on both sides of the aisle, but I think my point is made.

That being said, maybe it's supposed to be that way, so we have a cross section of the population in DC...

<quoted text>Good point.I think another thought provoking question/point is:How do we get "qualified" people to run for political office? The way Herman Cain was abused last summer (no idea if the accusations were true or not, nor do I care) would make anyone reluctant, I think, to run for office.IMHO, it takes a certain flamboyance (maybe not the best word) and a certain almost arrogance to run for office, to try to make people think you're the best suited person for the position to decide laws and impact the live of most everyone else. It's not like you're interviewing for a position where you try to show you're the best candidate...My point is, we don't always get the "best and the brightest" running for political office. Example: the goof that think Guam will tip over if too many people are sent there. There are MANY others, on both sides of the aisle, but I think my point is made.That being said, maybe it's supposed to be that way, so we have a cross section of the population in DC...

The Guam comment came from an elected Ga. politician, how embarassing. The likes of Maxine Walters & her communist agenda, Jesse Jackdon Jr. stating another chapter should be added to the Bible in honor of Obama...say what? Wasn't an undeserved Nobel peace price enough?... The corrupted governors stepping down, seemingly so, one after the other. John Edwards was a ruthless, heartless liar through & through. Weiner and the others sexting idiots. I'm in disbelief how these people gain so much power. Or does the crazy boldness, dysfunctional side just stay hidden until elected. America is in dire straits. Who can save us. It's certainly not Obama & this administration. I'm worried for us.$20 trillion debt by the end of this term is reaching a point of no return. I'm panicking, not so much for myself, more for our young adults and little ones.

<quoted text>Damn do Right Wingers love to be afraid. Having been scared to death Saddam Hussein was going to send missiles to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and dragging us into a $6,000,000,000,000.00 debacle, we are now supposed to fear "Socialism".The boogeymen never stop on Right Wing Planet.What a shame American education has deteriorated to the point where the differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism and the continuum existing between and linking them, is so difficult for so many to grasp.If you truly are a capitalist in its pure form, you want America to duplicate Somalia, or Syria, or Lebanon, where government, for all practical purposes, cannot regulate private property or its use.True Capitalism means:- No Social Security- No Medicare- No V.A.- No TVA- No public hospitals- No public schools- No police departments- No public libraries- No employment laws- No Anti-Trust laws- No banking regulations- No gov't insured banks- No fraud laws- No public roads- No public schools- No child protection laws- No anti-corruption laws- No firearms laws at all- No vehicle safety laws- No food safety laws- No medicine safety lawsAnd 1000's of other laws that protect the powerless from the powerful.This inevitably leads to tyranny by oligarchies.Pure Communism means:The "people", a/k/a the "Party Elite own all means of production and completely control all economic transactions.This inevitably leads to tyranny by the party elite.Mixed Exonomy:If you support regulated capitalism, or capitalist socialism, you support America - a mixed economy regulated capitalism with social programs asserted to promote the general welfare somewhere in between the two extremes of pure Capitalism and pure Communism.Moderates, Progressives, and all reasonably intelligent persons understand only countries utilizing mixed economies have avoided tyranny by either the political elite or the oligarchy.History is a great teacher.

Great Post! Anytime you see mad upset republicans you know things are going well for the 67% of we voters who are not republican. I just get soo happy to see them so mad.

<quoted text> The Guam comment came from an elected Ga. politician, how embarassing. The likes of Maxine Walters & her communist agenda, Jesse Jackdon Jr. stating another chapter should be added to the Bible in honor of Obama...say what? Wasn't an undeserved Nobel peace price enough?... The corrupted governors stepping down, seemingly so, one after the other. John Edwards was a ruthless, heartless liar through & through. Weiner and the others sexting idiots. I'm in disbelief how these people gain so much power. Or does the crazy boldness, dysfunctional side just stay hidden until elected. America is in dire straits. Who can save us. It's certainly not Obama & this administration. I'm worried for us.$20 trillion debt by the end of this term is reaching a point of no return. I'm panicking, not so much for myself, more for our young adults and little ones.

You won't get any relief from these damn republicans either, in fact things would be worse!

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